Ntungamo District Research Articles

Conflict Management and Resolution in Uganda: A case of Ntungamo District Local Government

The study focused on conflict management on resolution in Ntungamo District Local Government. Specifically to identify the influence of arbitration on resolution, to examine the influence of negotiation on resolution and to examine the influence of confrontation on resolution in Ntungamo District Local Government. The research used case study design. The study used purposive random sampling to select documents in the study that helped to gather detailed information on conflict resolution. The data study used secondary source of data collection with the sample size of 6 articles were considered. Data was analysed using content analysis for qualitative data. The study found out that local council courts were established to bring justice nearer to the people. The grading of the courts is based on the administrative units created by the local Government Act (Cap 243). Every village, parish, sub county and division/town councils is established as a local council court according to Local councils Courts Act. The law establishes local courts for the administration of Justice at local levels, defines their jurisdictional powers and procedures. The study also found out that LCs are viewed as popular organs created to counter and hold in check abuses of the civil servants and all other state functionaries. The study recommends that Ntungamo Local Government actors should be capacitated with the skills and knowledge to manage conflict is a proactive measure that will support their efforts to prevent and mitigate conflicts that may arise in these increasingly densely populated urban environments

Evaluating the Effect of Cash Management and Profitability on Private Schools in Ntungamo District from the Lens of Parents Care Primary School, Uganda

The study explores the cash management and profitability of private schools in the Nntungamo district from the lens of Parents Care Primary School. A descriptive study design was adopted, and data were obtained using questionnaires and interviews. Findings revealed that given the size and complexity of the organization and the partnership as a whole, business without cash management is a serious threat. It is on this note that this article calls for an effective management of cash. Thus, the organization has to put into place controls to ensure that cash is safe. The school should encourage parents to even pay during holidays as a way of boasting the school collections which in turn will enable allocations to be made in the due time. More so, the school needs to invest money in projects that are beneficial to the school. The school should use more of the accrual basis of cash outflow than the cash basis to maintain the school liquidity at an optimal level. Finally, the relationship between cash management and profitability should be monitored all the time. This should be done through cash planning, cash collection, cash allocation, and cash budgeting. Keywords: Cash management, Cash planning, financial position, Organization, Profitability.

Assessment of the Factors Associated with the Integration of Nutrition Care Services into the Health Care System in Ntungamo District

Assessment of the Factors Associated with the Integration of Nutrition Care Services into the Health Care System in Ntungamo District

Malaria Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Children under Five Years Attending Kitwe Health Center IV in Ntungamo District

Malaria is an acute febrile illness with the following symptoms: fever, headache, and chills. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium species, which is spread by female anopheles mosquito bites. This study aimed to assess the malaria prevalence and associated risk factors among children under five years attending Kitwe Health Center IV in Ntungamo District. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design, 50 caregivers of children attending the children’s ward of Kitwe Health Center IV were selected using simple random sampling techniques, and self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, and presented as percentage and frequency in tables, figure, and charts. Of 50 participants, 14(28.0%) tested positive for malaria. However, the majority of the children 25(50.0%) were within the age bracket of 6-12 months 29(58.0%) were female 32(64.0%) came from rural settings 28(56.0%) had more than 4 children staying together in the same household, 33(66.0%) said they hadn’t sprayed their houses with insecticide, 30(60.0%) knew that malaria can be transmitted through a mosquito bite, 36(72.0%) said they are sleeping under a treated mosquito, 30(60.0%) of the participants said they have stagnant water near their residential houses. Only 23(46.0%) of the participants said they have bushes around their homes. Malaria prevalence among children under-five years remains high at 28.0% which is slightly lower than the national standard findings of 30.2%. Factors such as age, number of children in the same households, education status of the caregivers, and their average monthly income greatly predisposed these children to malaria however other risk factors such as not spraying the household with insecticides and having stagnant water around the home were majorly reported by the caregivers. Keywords: Malaria Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors, Children Under-Five years

Community Radio and the promotion of gender equality. A case study of Nyabihoko Sub-County, Ntungamo District

One of the primary roles played by media within communities is fostering unity among people and society as a whole. Community radio serves as a crucial tool in achieving this objective. It is widely acknowledged that community media can encompass various aspects, such as shared interests, locality, and cultural identity. This study focuses on the intersection of community radio and women's empowerment, examining how community media uniquely challenges discriminatory traditions and empowers women. Drawing on multiple development paradigms and feminist theories, the research investigates the extent to which community radio stations contribute to promoting gender equality. The study employs a case study approach in Nyabihoko sub-county, Ntungamo district, Uganda. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, data was gathered from various stakeholders, including clan elders, religious leaders, local council representatives, community-based organizations, and youth, through surveys and qualitative interviews. The research revealed that community radio plays a significant role in enhancing women's empowerment, serving as a vital catalyst for positive change. The findings demonstrate that community radio support significantly contributes to bolstering women's empowerment. After analyzing the collected data, including mean and standard deviation calculations, it became evident that there exists a notable relationship between women's empowerment and gender equality. These findings shed light on the strategies and mechanisms employed by community radio to address gender disparities within the local context. They offer valuable insights for policymakers, media practitioners, and development institutions seeking to leverage the potential of community media for social transformation and empowerment. Keywords: Women empowerment, Radio, Media, Gender equality

Records Management Practices and Service Delivery in Ntungamo District in Western Uganda

This emprical research study assessed the association between Records Management practices and Service Delivery in Ntungamo District in western Uganda. The research study utilised a cross sectional and descriptive research design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 338 respondents were carefully chosen from 2890 people using table developed by Morgan & Krejcie (1970). Facts were gathered using questionnaires and interview schedules and analyzed by means of frequencies, percentages, Pearson linear correlation coefficient (PLCC) for quantitative data and thematic analysis was used for organising qualitative evidence. The study discoveries established a significant association between Records Management practices and Service Delivery in Ntungamo District in Western Uganda. The study resolved that Records Management practices are important for service delivery because they deal with issues to do with evidence based adminstration which has a bearing to good governance in schools in Ntungamo District in Uganda. From the study outcomes, the scholar recommended that secondary school administrators should put systems in place to manage records scientifically for empirical based management science. This can help in the delivery of services since school managers may have proof of whatever they do in terms of accountability. The government of Uganda through Ministry of Education and Sports should enhance the budget meant to improve on the development of secondary schools in Ntungamo distirict in Western Uganda, East Africa.

Socio-Economic Status and Quality Education in Uganda

This scientific study examined the contribution of socio-economic status on quality education in Uganda while focusing on Ntungamo district in Uganda. The focal study utilized a descriptive survey research design with mixed approaches. A sample of 352 respondents out of 3430 target population were chosen using Sloven’s formula. Data was gathered using survey questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed utilizing Descriptive statistics and Pearson Linear Correlation Coefficient (PLCC) for quantitative data and thematic analysis was employed for summarizing qualitative data .The research study findings came up without a significant correlation between socio-economic status and quality education, a case of secondary schools in Ntungamo district in Uganda. It was therefore concluded that the level of family socio-economic status does not affect the quality of education among students in Ntungamo District. High performing students come from both high and low socio-eco¬nomic status families and similarly low performing students also come from both high and low socio-economic status families. The systematic research study recommended that the political leadership of Ntungamo District needs to be informed to spearhead sensitization of house¬holds to embrace socio-economic transformation through education and agricultural produc-tion. Generally, the parents and community need to be made to appreciate the need to ad¬dress the socio-economic status that would enable their children to attain quality education in second¬ary schools.

Impact of Teachers’ Qualification on Secondary School History Teaching and Learning in Kajara County, South Western Uganda

The study examined how teachers’ qualification impact on the teaching and learning of history in senior four of Kajara County, Ntungamo District. The study sought to establish how communication skills affect the teaching and learning of senior four history class in Kajara County, Ntungmo District, find out how teachers’ explanation skills affect the teaching and learning of senior four history class in Kajara County, Ntungamo District and establish how writing skills affect the teaching and learning of senior four class in Kajara County, Ntungamo District. The study employed a cross sectional survey design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection and analysis. Interviews, focus group discussions, documentary analysis and questionnaire were used to collect data. The study population consisted of secondary school administrators, history teachers and students in selected private and government schools in Kajara County, Ntungamo District. A sample size of 251 was used. Qualitative data was analyzed with the help of social science (SPSS) while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings revealed that teachers with good communication skills facilitate effective teaching and learning of history to secondary students in Kajara County, Ntungamo District facilitated by audibility, effective teacher-student rapport and improved student presentation skills. It was established that teachers with good explanation skills facilitate effective teaching and learning of history to secondary school students. Teachers with clear history instruction involved learners in history lesson activities effectively. The study concluded that teachers’ communication skills, explanation skills and writing skills have negligible influence on effective teaching of history to secondary school students in Kajara County, Ntungamo District. It is recommended that government and other stakeholders should come up with Continuous Teacher Development Programs and in-service programs to raise teacher’s communication skills explanation skills and writing skills to patch up the gaps in the teaching and learning of history to secondary students in Kajara County, Ntugamo District.

Trace Metal Leaching from Cookware Locally Fabricated from Scrap Metal: A Case Study of Ntungamo District, Uganda

Heavy metal exposure remains a significant public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where use of artisanal cookware made from recycled metallic materials is still common. In this study, the effect of cookware composition, cleaning material, heating duration and temperature on metal migration from different cookware, including artisanal pans was investigated. Trace element concentrations were determined with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Locally fabricated cookware leached the highest levels of metals, where the levels of Pb (9.00 ± 0.80 × 10-2 mg/l), Al (11.40 ± 0.02 × 10-2 mg/l), Cd (5.80 ± 0.30 × 10-2 mg/l), Cr (6.60 ± 0.03 × 10-2 mg/l) and Ni (3.00 ± 0.01 × 10-2 mg/l) were above the WHO permissible limits of heavy metals for drinking water. Steel wire was the most aggressive cleaning material to the cookware surfaces, followed by sand and then ash. For cookware heated at 100°C and above, an exponential relationship between temperature and the migration of Al, Pb and Cd was observed. The findings revealed heavy metal exposure from cookware usage, which poses potential health risks to the population. There is need for policies and civic education to minimize this exposure.

Perceptions of caregivers on immunization in Ntungamo district, Uganda

Background: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions to reduce child mortality and morbidity associated with infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the perceptions of caregivers on immunization in Ntungamo district.Methods: Quasi-experimental study was used with health centres assigned to intervention and control groups. Purposive sampling was used to select the two counties where the study was done. Proportional sampling was done to get study samples from each health facility, while systematic sampling was done to get study participants. A total of 787 children from twelve health facilities provided the study sample. A post intervention evaluation was conducted to determine the effect of these interventions. Association of variables was tested using Mann Whitney U-test and Chi-square.Results: On benefits, most caregivers in the intervention group (85.3%) and in the control group (54.3%) regarded immunization as very highly and moderately beneficial to their children respectively. On risks, most caregivers in the intervention group (85.5%) and control group (43.1%) regarded the risk factor associated with immunization as very low and moderate respectively. From hypothesis testing, there was a significant difference on the perceived benefits and risks of immunization between the intervention and control group.Conclusions: Most caregivers in the intervention and control group regarded immunization as very highly beneficial and moderately to their children respectively. Most of the caregivers in the intervention and control group regarded the risk factor associated with immunization as very low and moderate respectively.

Frequency and Factors Associated with Hyperglycaemia First Detected during Pregnancy at Itojo General Hospital, South Western Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Hyperglycemia in pregnancy complicates up to 30% of pregnancies in Africa, and this poses a major risk to both the mother and fetus. Although recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), universal screening for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy is not routinely done in many of the hospital in low- and middle-income countries. This study sought to determine the frequency and factors associated with hyperglycaemia first detected in pregnancy at a general public hospital in South Western Uganda. Methods We conducted this study at Itojo General Hospital (IGH) in Ntungamo District, South Western Uganda. The study followed a cross-sectional design that employed a systematic random sampling technique to identify potential study participants during the months of October to December 2019. Using a pretested questionnaire, data on sociodemographic and medical characteristics were collected on a sample of 307 pregnant women. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for hyperglycemia using random blood sugar and fasting blood sugar test results. Data generated were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26 (SPSS Inc., USA) at P < 0.05. Results The frequency of hyperglycaemia was found to be 15.6% among the study population. Multivariate analysis revealed that the ages of 19-30 years, peasantry, and multiparity with more than 5 live children and second trimester pregnancy were independent risk factors for the observed hyperglycaemia frequency. Conclusion Our study reports new epidemiological information about the frequency and risk factors of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy from a selected Ugandan population. Our findings suggest an introduction of hyperglycaemia screening in the routine antenatal care package for proper maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Antecedents of the theory of planned behaviour as correlates of math anxiety among students in rural Secondary Schools in Western Uganda.

Mathematical abilities have been linked to positive outcomes and well-being in adults, although secondary school students in Western Uganda still exhibit math anxiety. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate the correlation between the antecedents of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and math anxiety among students in rural secondary schools in Western Uganda, Ntungamo District, Ruhaama County. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from a random sample of 578 students using a self-administered questionnaire. Data at the bivariate and multivariate levels were analyzed using Pearson’s Linear Correlation Coefficient and multiple regression analysis respectively. Considering the three antecedents of TPB namely perceived behavioral control, attitude and subjective norms, the study at the bivariate level found that all the three antecedents of TPB positively significantly correlated with math anxiety, thus supporting all the three study hypotheses. At the multivariate level, while all the three TPB antecedents correlated with math anxiety, the correlation between attitude and math anxiety was not statistically significant. Further, subjective norms were the strongest predictor of math anxiety in this particular context. The implication is that interventions with parental views and perceived usefulness of mathematics among students should be dealt with in order to lower the levels of math anxiety among students in rural secondary schools in Western Uganda. Article visualizations:

Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Hand Washing with Soap among Mothers and Caregivers of Children under Five years in Ntungamo District, Uganda

Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Hand Washing with Soap among Mothers and Caregivers of Children under Five years in Ntungamo District, Uganda

Prevalence, Morphological Classification, And Factors Associated With Anemia Among Pregnant Women Accessing Antenatal Clinic At Itojo Hospital, South Western Uganda.

PurposeThe study aimed to determine the prevalence, morphological classification, and risk factors of anemia among pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic at Itojo hospital, Ntungamo district, southwestern Uganda.Patients and methodsAfter obtaining an informed consent, 5mL of blood was collected from the vein of each participant for complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral film report. The CBC was performed using HumaCount 80 hematology analyzer (HUMAN Gesellschaft für Biochemica und Diagnostica mbH Max-Planck-Ring 21 65,205 Wiesbaden Germany). Peripheral blood smears were made and stained using Wright’s Romanowsky stain and examined under ×1000 magnification for morphological classification of anemia. Structured questionnaires were administered to each participant to collect information on patients’ demography and risk factors of anaemia in pregnancy. The data generated were prepared in EXCEL and later transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the association of socio-demographic characteristics of the participants with anemia. A 95% confidence level was used and statistical significance was reached at p<0.05.ResultsOne hundred and sixty-three participants (n=163) were recruited for the study with the median age of 25 years and range of (17 to 40 years). The overall prevalence of anemia was 12 (7.4%), the morphological classification was 1 (8.3%) normocytic normochromic anemia, 6 (50%) microcytic hypochromic anemia, and 5 (41.7%) macrocytic anemia. Spouse occupation (p=0.03), household income (p=0.04), use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (p=0.001), history of urinary tract infection (p=0.002), use of haematinics (p≤0.001), and history of postpartum hemorrhage (p=0.03) were significantly associated with anemia in pregnancy.ConclusionDespite the reported high prevalence of anemia in pregnancy in other areas within the country, anemia prevalence was low in this study. Routine screening for anemia at all antenatal care clinics countrywide is recommended.

Affordability effect of diabetic medicine on Patient's treatment adherence case study: Itojo Hospital in Ntungamo District

The objective of this study was to assess the affordability effect of diabetic medicine on patient's treatment adherence among patients aged 18 and above who sought treatment at IH diabetic clinic.The source of data was primary which was collected by the researcher from IH. The independent variable was considered as affordability of the diabetic medicine and adherence was the dependent variable in this study. Findings showed that Sex, marital status, education level, estimated monthly income were significantly associated with treatment adherence at the bivariate level.The objectives of the study were looking at the affordability effect of diabetic medicine and awareness among the patients. It was found out that there is a statistically significant relationship between the two variables.Basing on the findings of the study, it is recommended that more sensitization should be put in place to help patients be informed about their health, to be educated and also made aware of how to take good care of themselves especially on the side of females as well as be trained on how to have a strong financial base as this can help improve on affordability of medicine.

Determinants of Female Teachers Progress to Leadership in Government Aided Primary Schools in Ntungamo District, Uganda

This study explored the determinants of female teachers’ progress to leadership in government-aided primary schools in Ntungamo District. Specifically, the study explored how personality characteristics, school factors and social factors determined female teachers’ progress to leadership in government-aided primary schools. This cross-sectional study used a sample of 210 respondents and data were collected using a questionnaire survey. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis that included frequencies, percentages and means, and inferential analyses that were correlation and regression. Descriptive results revealed that the level of female teachers’ progress to leadership was good, had strong personality characteristics and experienced favourable school and social factors. Regression results revealed that organisational factors and social were positive significant determinants of female teachers’ progress to leadership while personality characteristics were negative and insignificant determinants. Therefore, the conclusions reached were that personality characteristics were not the most probable factors that determined female progress to leadership in primary schools, school factors were essential for female teachers’ progress to leadership in primary schools, and social factors were imperative for female teachers’ progress to leadership in primary schools. It was thus recommended that bodies charged with promoting of female teachers such District Education Service Commissions and schools leadership should assess personality characteristics of women when promoting them to leadership, those charged with management of schools such as District Education Officers, Inspectors of Schools, Schools Management Committees and head teachers should ensure that school factors promote female teachers progress to leadership, and leadership of schools from national to local level and community members should ensure that social factors in place promote female teachers progress to leadership.

An Assessment of Problems of Primary School Children with Disabilities in Uganda

This research study focused on an investigation into the factors contributing to the dropout of children with disabilities (CWD) in rural schools in Uganda with a case study of Ntungamo District. Questionnaires interviews were carried out by the research team. The data collected was compiled and analyzed. Findings indicated that majority of the respondents were in agreement that social and economic needs of children with disabilities is the major factor that contributes to the drop out of children with disabilities from rural schools. Other outcomes show that shortage of staff in schools contributes to drop out of children with disabilities, poor teachers attitudes towards the disabled children, poor government policies, hatred and discrimination against the disabled children, absence of morale by teacher's, lack of special equipment for teaching children with special needs was also averagely supported. The study recommends that the Government of Uganda and the responsible ministry put aspects of inclusion of all children into consideration, and also provide the necessary financial support as well as intensifying long life learning programs for special needs teachers with focus on primary education among other levels. Further comprehensive research ought to be of paramount importance in understanding challenges facing CWD.

Loss to Follow-Up among HIV Positive Pregnant and Lactating Mothers on Lifelong Antiretroviral Therapy for PMTCT in Rural Uganda

Background. Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV accounts for more than 90% of all pediatric HIV infections. However, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV through provision of lifelong ART to HIV positive mothers faces various challenges which affect its success. One of such challenges is the loss to follow-up (LTFU) of mothers. Methodology. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. We were able to trace 279 HIV positive, pregnant, and lactating mothers among mothers who were initiated on lifelong ART for PMTCT in public health facilities in Ntungamo district, Western Uganda. The proportion of those who were lost to follow-up was determined, and Log binomial regression with stepwise backward elimination method was employed to identify factors associated with LTFU. Focus group discussions (FDGs) of women on lifelong ART and key informant interviews (KIIs) of peer educators were also performed. Results. Out of the 279 mothers that were successfully traced and interviewed, 103 (37%) were identified as lost to follow-up. The prevalence of LTFU was higher among those whose transport costs were above $2.75, adj (adjusted) PR (Prevalence Ratio) 1.6 (95% CI; 1.02-2.55); those who waited beyond one hour before being attended to, adj PR 1.74 (95% CI; 1.02-2.96); and those who assumed that their infant was already infected, adj PR 1.76 (95% CI; 1.15-2.70). On interviews, LTFU in these mothers was attributed to fear of swallowing antiretroviral drugs, HIV related stigma and discrimination, inadequate facilitation of the peer educators, long patient waiting time, and transportation to the health facilities. Conclusion. More than one-third of mothers initiated on lifelong ART for PMTCT in Ntungamo district were lost to follow-up over a period of 25 months. Recommendations. Provision of regular and adequate pre-ART and ART adherence counseling and provision of routine health education would reduce LTFU.

Differential returns from globalization to women smallholder coffee and food producers in rural Uganda

Globalization-related measures to liberalize trade and stimulate export production were applied in Uganda in the late 1980s, including in the coffee production sector, to revitalize agricultural production, increase incomes to farmers and improve rural food security. To explore the different effects of such measures on the health and dietary outcomes of female coffee and food small holder farmers in Uganda. We gathered evidence through a cross-sectional comparative interview survey of 190 female coffee producers and 191 female food producers in Ntungamo district. The study mostly employed quantitative methods of data collection, targeting the sampled households. We also utilized qualitative data; collected three months after the household survey data had been collected and their analysis had been accomplished. Using qualitative interviews based on an unstructured interview guide, extra qualitative information was collected from key informants at national, district and community levels. This was among other underlying principles to avoid relying on snapshot information earlier collected at household level in order to draw valid and compelling conclusions from the study. We used indicators of production, income, access to food and dietary patterns, women's health and health care. Of the two groups selected from the same area, female coffee producers represented a higher level of integration into liberalised export markets. Document review suggests that, although Uganda's economy grew in the period, the household economic and social gains after the liberalization measures may have been less than expected. In the survey carried out, both food and coffee producers were similarly poor, involved in small-scale production, and of a similar age and education level. Coffee producers had greater land and livestock ownership, greater access to inputs and higher levels of income and used a wider variety of markets than food producers, but they had to work longer hours to obtain these economic returns, and spent more cash on health care and food from commercial sources. Their health outcomes were similar to those of the food producers, but with poorer dietary outcomes and greater food stress. The small-scale women farmers who are producing food cannot rely on the economic infrastructure to give them support for meaningful levels of production. However, despite having higher incomes than their food producing counterparts, the evidence showed that women who are producing coffee in Uganda as an export commodity cannot rely on the income from their crops to guarantee their health and nutritional wellbeing, and that the income advantage gained in coffee-producing households has not translated into consistently better health or food security outcomes. Both groups have limited levels of autonomy and control to address these problems.

The impact of changing marketing conditions on Ugandan banana farmers

PurposeLow productivity and the prevalence of marketing and demand constraints are all interrelated problems for banana growers in East Africa. The purpose of this paper is to examine how different marketing policies can alter the incomes of banana‐growing households in the Ntungamo district of Uganda.Design/methodology/approachA partial equilibrium model and a trader profit‐maximisation model are used to analyse changes in banana market equilibrium conditions, marketing costs and market competitiveness.FindingsThe results indicate that increasing supply relative to demand reduces grower returns. It appears that reducing market power and lowering middlemen marketing costs may lead to higher grower returns. Policies facilitating lower marketing costs for traders are proposed in conjunction with strategies that promote banana processing.Originality/valueDrawing on both primary and secondary data, this paper examines how increasing demand and reducing marketing costs impacts on banana‐grower returns. Furthermore, sources of price movements in the Ugandan banana industry are assessed.